April Estes: A thank-you letter to the community

On behalf of the family of the late Richard C. Estes, thank you for all acts of kindness shown following his passing.

It's difficult to put all my thoughts into words, but I very much appreciate your kind words, deeds and gestures at a time when these things mean so much. I thank God for friends and community such as you!

To my pastor, Reverend Brian C. Herron, Sr., and the congregation of Zion Baptist Church, thank you for all of the love and support shown through the years. Thank you for your prayers, calls, hospital visits and the wonderful home-going service and luncheon. It was a very fitting service to a tremendous life of someone who truly loved the Lord and the Zion Baptist Church family. Thank you for your endless support!

To all the speakers and participants at his service, thank you for honoring him and capturing his spirit with such heartfelt words.

To friends and family that traveled from near and far, your presence meant a lot to me and my family. Please know that each of you were very dear and treasured by Richard.

To the many that sent beautiful flower arrangements, thank you so much. All of the arrangements were lovely and very special.

To the community at-large, no words could ever express our appreciation for the love and support shown to us. We are deeply grateful.

Richard established the Estes Funeral Home in 1962 and it continues to serve the community. We are committed to providing high ethical standards to families during a very difficult time. With your support, we will carry-on that tradition and continue to provide the service that Richard was so respected for creating.

God has called Richard to rest, "well done, good and faithful servant."